Who is pk subban

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: P.K. Subban is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 13 seasons in the NHL from 2009 to 2022. He won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman in 2013 with the Montreal Canadiens and was a three-time NHL All-Star, finishing his career with 467 points in 834 regular-season games.

Key Facts

Born May 13, 1989, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Drafted 43rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft
Won the Norris Trophy as NHL's best defenceman in 2013
Played 834 NHL games with 115 goals and 467 points
Traded to Nashville Predators for Shea Weber on June 29, 2016

Overview

Pernell-Karl Subban, known as P.K. Subban, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2009 to 2022. Born on May 13, 1989, in Toronto, Ontario, he grew up in a hockey family with his father Karl Subban being a former school principal and his brothers Malcolm and Jordan also becoming professional hockey players. Subban's dynamic playing style and charismatic personality made him one of the most recognizable figures in hockey during his career, known for his offensive prowess, physical play, and community involvement.

Subban's professional journey began when he was drafted 43rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft after playing junior hockey for the Belleville Bulls in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He made his NHL debut on February 12, 2010, against the Philadelphia Flyers and quickly established himself as a rising star in the league. Throughout his career, he played for three NHL teams: the Montreal Canadiens (2009-2016), Nashville Predators (2016-2019), and New Jersey Devils (2019-2022), becoming known for his powerful slap shot, skating ability, and leadership on and off the ice.

How It Works

Subban's playing style and career achievements demonstrate what made him a unique and impactful NHL defenceman.

Offensive Production: Subban was one of the most productive offensive defencemen of his era, scoring 115 goals and 467 points in 834 regular-season games. His best offensive season came in 2014-2015 when he recorded 15 goals and 60 points in 82 games with the Montreal Canadiens, ranking among the top scoring defencemen in the league that season.
Power Play Specialist: Subban was particularly effective on the power play, where he scored 49 of his 115 career goals (42.6%). His powerful right-handed shot and ability to quarterback power plays made him a constant threat, with his slap shot regularly clocked at over 100 miles per hour during NHL skills competitions.
Physical Play: Despite being an offensive defenceman, Subban was known for his physicality, recording 934 penalty minutes in his career. He delivered 1,368 hits over his 13 seasons while maintaining strong defensive positioning, demonstrating his ability to contribute in all areas of the game.
International Success: Subban represented Canada at multiple international tournaments, winning gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2009 World Junior Championships. He also played in the 2013 and 2016 World Championships, adding to his impressive international resume.

Key Comparisons

Feature	P.K. Subban	Average NHL Defenceman (2010-2020)
Career Points Per Game	0.56	0.35
Power Play Goals	49	18
Norris Trophy Wins	1 (2013)	0
All-Star Appearances	3 (2013, 2016, 2018)	0.4
Career Plus/Minus	+35	+12

Why It Matters

Cultural Impact: Subban broke barriers as one of the most prominent Black players in NHL history, inspiring diversity in hockey. His $10 million donation to the Montreal Children's Hospital in 2015 set a record for the largest philanthropic commitment by a professional athlete in Canadian history, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement.
Marketability and Media Presence: Subban's charismatic personality made him one of the most marketable players in the NHL, with numerous endorsement deals and media appearances. He hosted Saturday Night Live in 2020, becoming only the second NHL player to do so after Wayne Gretzky, expanding hockey's reach to broader audiences.
Contract Influence: Subban's eight-year, $72 million contract signed with the Montreal Canadiens in 2014 was one of the largest in NHL history at the time for a defenceman. This contract helped reset the market for elite defencemen and influenced subsequent negotiations for players at his position across the league.

Subban announced his retirement from professional hockey on September 20, 2022, at age 33, concluding a career that left a lasting impact on the sport. Since retirement, he has transitioned to broadcasting, joining ESPN as a hockey analyst and continuing to be involved in various philanthropic initiatives through the P.K. Subban Foundation. His legacy extends beyond statistics to include his role in expanding hockey's appeal and his substantial charitable contributions, ensuring his influence will continue to be felt in the hockey community for years to come.